On February 29, 2012, Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson and her colleagues unanimously passed legislation (Senate Bill 3022) to prohibit the disruption of a funeral procession by making it illegal for a driver of a motor vehicle to unreasonably interfere with the orderly movement of a funeral procession.

“A funeral procession is the time when the deceased is being transferred from a church, synagogue, or mosque to their final place of rest,” explained Senator Hassell-Thompson.“For those saying good-bye to their beloved family members or dear friends, it is a time of tremendous heartache and sadness that deserves the utmost respect.

Under the new law, it would be illegal for a driver of a motor vehicle to enter the space of two vehicles traveling single file in a funeral procession in a way that unreasonably interferes with the procession.

“This legislation works to ensure everyone’s safety during a very disconcerting time,” Senator Hassell-Thompson concluded.